Finding Legal Help

You are not required to hire an attorney, but legal matters can be complicated. Consider talking to an attorney to go over your options. See the Finding Legal Help page for information about free and low cost ways to get legal help.

Audio/Video Record of Court Proceedings

To record hearings and other proceedings, the Utah state courts rely exclusively on digital audio (and in a few locations, video) recordings. To obtain a copy of a recording file, request it from the judicial services representative at the court in which the proceeding was held.

Transcripts

To request an official transcript, go to our webpage for Requesting Official Transcripts. An official transcript can be used for any court purpose, trial or appellate.

When your transcript order is placed, you will receive an email notifying you of the transcriber assigned to the case and how to contact that person. You will need to make arrangements for payment with the transcriber. The transcriber will not begin work on the transcript until satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made. When the transcript is prepared and paid for, the transcriber will file the printed, certified transcript and a PDF file with the trial court and send you a copy.

A transcript prepared by any other means is not an official transcript and cannot be used for court purposes.
The ability to prepare an expedited transcript from an audio recording is limited. If a party anticipates the need for an expedited transcript, requesting a certified court reporter is advised.

Scheduling a Certified Court Reporter in a Capital Case

Upon request in a capital case, the court may schedule a certified court reporter licensed in Utah to report the proceedings. The court will pay the appearance fee to attend the proceedings and write verbatim notes. The party requesting a transcript must pay the transcript fee.

Scheduling a Certified Court Reporter in a Non-Capital Case

Upon request in any civil case or non-capital criminal case, the court may permit a party to schedule a certified court reporter licensed in Utah to report the proceedings. The court reporter must agree to certain terms and conditions. The requesting party will pay the appearance fee to attend the proceedings and write verbatim notes. The party requesting a transcript must pay the transcript fee.